A Catholic college or a state university?

Many Catholic families weigh a Catholic college against a public or secular university with a strong Catholic campus ministry. Both can be good places to grow in faith. They are simply different, and it helps to know how.

At a Catholic college

• Faith is part of the institution: chapels on campus, Mass often several times a day, and priests and religious on the faculty or staff.
• Theology and philosophy are usually required for every student, whatever the major.
• Catholic social teaching often shapes service programs, residence life, and the curriculum.
• Catholic identity varies a great deal from college to college. That is why we grade each one on four pillars.

At a public or secular university

• Catholic life centers on a campus ministry or Catholic center, often a parish of its own, with Mass, confession, retreats, and student groups.
• Students choose to take part, so the Catholic community can be close-knit and committed.
• There is no theology requirement, but many centers offer classes, Bible studies, and formation.
• Large public universities may offer majors, research, and prices that fit a family better.

How to compare them on the Compass

Every college has a Catholic Life Score, measured the same way for Catholic and non-Catholic colleges: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession times, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics. Use it to compare a Catholic college and a state university side by side. Catholic colleges also have the fuller Compass Score, built on all four faith pillars.

• Best Catholic life at all colleges
• Best Catholic campus ministries at public universities
• Best Catholic colleges

Questions to ask yourselves

• Will our student seek out faith life, or be helped by having it built into the school day?
• How far is the Catholic center from where first-year students live?
• What do the costs and outcomes look like for the majors our student is considering?

Read What a Catholic campus ministry offers and bring our visit questions.